Navigation menu

Can't believe it's the most wonderful time of the year. I am back at the family home in Sheffield and here is a little list of the things I love about being home at Christmas time:

* Watching all the Christmassy TV: The Holiday, Love Actually, Home Alone, every TV Christmas special, I particularly love the Gavin and Stacey Christmas one!

*Wrapping presents. Each year I try and step it up and I think this year I have out done myself! The woman in Paperchase asked me what my 'theme' was which filled me with dread but I mumbled something about liking silver and the result was the picture above which I am very proud of!

*Watching Harry Potter and the philosopher's stone. This needed its own post because it's just so good! I'm on my second viewing in as many days and it just makes me feel so festive every time!

* No alarm. This needs no further explanation.

*Writing Christmas cards. I love writing any type of card so Christmas is the ultimate opportunity to buy and write so many!

*Family time. Yes, I may get saturated with my dad at points but I love being with my family at this time of year as I love in another city to everyone so we don't see each other as much as we di. In particular I love seeing my sister who is basically my bestie!

*Everyone's general joy and excitement! It's just a more loving, sparkly time of year isn't it!

*The carols and the nativity. While I am not religious myself I love remembering why we are lucky enough to have this time off to be around our loved ones and particularly being a teacher carrying on the story of the nativity to the younger generation is one of my favourite things about this time of year.

*The food. I can show my love for brussel sprouts loudly and proudly in December and NO ONE CAM JUDGE ME. Well, not as much.

So that's what makes this time of year extra special for me, how about you? What's on your Christmas list? Any last minute shoppers out there?

Now I must admit that I'm not massively materialistic, however even I usually love to create a good old wishlist around this time of year.

Despite this, this year I found myself racking my brains trying to think of what my family could get me this year. When I stopped and thought (and really thought) I realised that what I REALLY want can't be bought. So I haven't asked anyone for any of these things, perhaps I am asking myself and the universe I suppose...

My (real) Christmas wishlist:

For no more attacks to occur like the monstrosities we had in Paris.

For people to have food on their table not just for Christmas but for the whole year.

That mental health would be taken seriously and people given the help and support they need.

That we find a cure for cancer.

That children all up and down the UK (and particularly those in my class) have a safe, happy home life where they are shown love.

That we don't lose ourselves in social media and that our children and teenagers realise how it does not represent real life.

That people stop discriminating against people for ridiculous reasons.

Wouldn't it be great if just one of these wishes came true? I know it sounds corny and of course I lust after THINGS as much as the next person but as I age I really am thinking about the world and the happiness of those around me. So I pray that one of these wishes come true for at least some people this Christmas!

Anyway, there's a little snapshot into my life at the minute. I just love Instagram and I would love to follow more people so please leave your usernames below! Mine is @sophiacristina is anyone wants to follow on!

How are we all? Hope you're having s lovely weekend and you're not caught out in the rain!

So I basically had a perfect weekend. Or more specifically, the perfect sleepover.

I didn't think this would be possible since I had to have my wisdom tooth out on Friday (spoiler alert-it's not that bad!) but to make myself feel less nervous I had arranged for my lovely sister to come and sleep over on Saturday.

Luckily she came and I was relatively pain free so I was very excited for some sister sister time! The candles were burning, the heating was on and the tree was twinkling away, the perfect setting for a girly night in.

We started the evening beautifully with two large mugs of green tea and a good dose of catching up. She's currently in her third year so it's great for her to have some time out to really relax. Don't you just love those chats that go on and on forever?

Between chatting we had some food, (soup for me and my tooth!) and several of M&S's fancy dips alongside other treats for her!

We also watched Love Actually which gave me all the feels and then we cuddled up in bed! Tell me someone else out there spoons their siblings like they're still kids?! I don't care if not because she's literally my bestie, I'll spoon her til we're seventy and I don't care who knows it! :)

It completely revitalised both of us to have some quality time together (as well as a massive sleep!) and we topped it off with eating porridge this morning and watching The Holiday.

Starting the morning with Jude Law, now that's always going to be a great Sunday!

So firstly, check out this sunset?! This was on Friday and it was more than a little beautiful, reminds me of the sunsets in the Philippines.

Now, I was kind of glad to see the back of this week if I'm honest purely because work was so full on and I had general PMS pains (ladies you feel me!) but despite that there are always, always good things to take from every week so here's 5 things that made me smile.

1) My mum staying with us. She's been attending a big conference here in Manchester so each evening I've been able to see her which has been lovely.

2) Messages from my sister in New York. It's amazing to hear all about what she's been up to and experience it all through her! Slightly jealous of her NYC haul though, not going to lie!

3) Once Upon A Time. I'm so obsessed with it and I am currently on the fourth episode of the day!

4) Movie nights. Boyfriend suggested we watch Paddington and I was totally up for it! It was a lovely, happy and uplifting film and it was a nice change from The X Files marathons we've been having (equally just as fun!)

5) A fun day of dress up at work. Being a teacher means there's a lot of themed days and on Friday we had to dress up as something to do with the airport, so I chose an air hostess! It was so fun and I loved being able to satisfy a little childhood dream...

I realise I usually do 10 happy things and I'm sure there's more but I have a hormone headache and I'm too engrossed in Netflix to think of anymore! #realblogger

How are your Sundays going my lovelies? Any want to link me to some good blog posts??

Firstly, Happy Halloween everyone! However, I don't want to mislead you into thinking this is a spooky post, it's not. It's an obsessional one!

With the joy of half term (thank you career life choice) I have had some rare time to treat myself to some Netflix and chill sessions. I have discovered several new addictions so I thought I'd round up some of my recent watches in case anyone is searching for anything new to watch. Quick disclaimer though, these can all be found on American Netflix or your normal streaming sites!

1. Once Upon a Time

I have finally gotten into this show after a few non starts with it (bad timing etx) and it's basically everything I love about fairytales and magic and romance all rolled into one! I'm just about to finish season 1 and I can't wait to see which characters appear next. So far we've had Snow White, Belle, Rumpelstiltskin and so many more!

2. Parks and Recreation

This is just hilarious. Watch this show. The end. It's shot mockumentary style like The Office and it follows the incredible Amy Poehler and her team at the parks and recreation department (full of extremely quirky and kooky characters) in a small American town. It's so quick witted and if you don't know it now you'll have seen hilarious moments giffed somewhere for sure!

3. The X Files

I've recently gotten into this 90s classic after always wanting to watch it, hearing such good things and the revelation that they're going to making new episodes on Netflix. Each episode is so creative with the wonderful Mulder and Scully (talk about sexual tension!) facing a different seemingly paranormal crime. It's addictive watching and is perfect for this time of year so it's time to catch up now before the 2016 instalment hits our screens!

4. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

I have already watched this before but I decided I just had to show it to my boyfriend and honestly it's so much better when you can share something you love with someone else, especially a comedy! This is so fun and quirky a must watch for anyone who loves to laugh (so basically, everyone!)

5. Gilmore Girls

Basically, forever and always. Especially now that we know they're bring it back. THEY'RE BRINGING IT BACK.

So those are the shows I'm loving lately, how about you? What are you binge watching at the minute?

Also what are your plans for Halloween lovelies? Anything fun? I for one am planning a night in with boyfriend cooking and watching Halloweeny specials and what not! Plus we're onto the season finale of Kimmy Schmidt so you know, tis the season and what not!

Autumn days when the grass is jewelled and the silk inside a chestnut shell...

Did anyone else use to sing that hymn in primary school? If not, google it, it's pretty cheery and uplifting for this Autumnal time of year.

Now before we start I miss confess: Autumn is not my favourite time of year (I know, bad blogger award, I don't drink pumpkin spice lattes either!). I'm more of a summer girl but I must admit there lots of lovely things about this time of year and Pinterest is the best place to make you fall in love with anything!

I love the excitement and spookiness of Halloween and being a nesh (Yorkshire for always cold) kinda gal I dress like it's Autumn pretty much all year round, so the cosy scarves and socks are an ultimate winner with this girl.

love the beautiful colours of the leaves and the crispness when you walk on them.

I must admit the rest of these pins are more fantasy than an accurate representation of my Autumn as I have no cat, no fireplace and I've never cooked a pie in my life!

However, I love the jewel colours and the knowledge that the most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner!

Last year I felt like October dragged by but this year it's whizzed by faster than a firework! So I want to take it all in this week and watch some creepy movies, carve pumpkins and basically appreciate this season before November kicks in.

All of the original links for these pictures can be found on my Autumn Days Pinterest Board come give me a follow, I am getting so addicted and I must say I am quite proud of my boards!

What's your favourite season? Any fellow readers mourning summer too? Do you have any Halloween traditions? Any movies to recommend?

People do this all the time and I know that, I have a legitimate reason, and yet...I feel guilty. I feel like Monica in Friends when she doesn't want to admit that she's sick because she thinks it's 'weak, it's for pansies!'

But that is not the case. I need to stop pretending to be so strong all the time. Pretending everything is fine when it's not is not being strong, asking for help, accepting support, being open about your feelings: that is what strength is.

So this girl can, yes I can do all sorts of tough girl things. But I can also be strong enough to admit when I need a duvet day.

Today is that day.

What do you do when you're poorly? Do you ever feel guilty when you have to have a day off?

I must admit I am rather enjoying my weekends as of late. Usually the life of a teacher, while lending to lots of holiday time, actually means that your weekend time is often nonexistent. From planning to marking to general prep/stress, I can find it hard to switch off.

However...

Recently I have been carving out time to go to my local yoga class first thing Saturday morning and this has massively helped me in keeping a state of peace and relaxation and motivation throughout the weekend. So here's what I've been loving this week!

1. Treating myself to a nice bunch of flowers. It's been a year since we moved in so we decided to spruce up the place with a nice bouquet.

2. Going to see Everest at the cinema. What a tense couple of hours!!

3. Being at home with my mum and sister. Lots of lovely cooking and big catch ups!

4. The new Starbucks Autumn cups, how gorgeous are these?! Filled with a nice chai tea, it was the epitome of the season.

6. Waking up early and watching Parent Trap. My sister and I got up super early this morning and hurried downstairs with blankets and tea and delicious, coconutty porridge to cuddle up and watch our FAVOURITE sister bonding film. It brings smiles and tears to our faces and eyes everything time and it's a tradition to watch it together at least once a year.

7. Gogglebox. Just because it's back and it's awesome.

8. A lovely drive over the Pennines. Yes, the snake pass sucks big time but you can't beat the beautiful views on that Sheffield to Manchester drive.

9. A midweek visit from my Grandma. Is there anything better than a visit from one of your faves? I don't think so.

10. My first EVER experience of a Lush bath bomb! It was the Frozen one for anyone who's interested and it was magical and sparkly and everything I dreamed it would be!

You see? I even lit myself a couple of candles, totally taking this self care thing mega serious.

So what's made you smile this week? Can you believe it's almost October time? That means Halloween fun is a coming!

That's right. I can think of 10 reasons and I'm sure you could have too if you'd given it as much thought as me, but then again this is my all time favourite movie so perhaps you don't think about this musical gem as much as I do.

This list was inspired after 'Come what may' popped up on my iPod and it got me thinking 'God Ewan McGregor is amazing, in fact...this song is amazing...this whole movie is just amazing, I wonder how many reasons for just how great this movie is I could come up with...'

And voila, an deep insight into my blog writing process...so on y va!

1. It's a musical. This in my book makes any movie infinitely better than your average film. Except Mean Girls, that golden nugget is just perfect as it is.

2. It's set in Paris. Now the city of lights may not set mes pantalons on fire with excitement like it does for 99% of the female population (save the part which houses Disneyland) however even I know that a pretty cool location makes this movie have that certain je ne sais quoi.

3. The Sound of Music reference. Sure, it's tiny bit in the film and if you don't remember it then you clearly have watched this movie less than five times, that's not okay so go bump up that number please. But yes, two musicals in one? Sounds great to me!

4. It's got Kylie! I don't want to stereotype but could this movie have any more gay friendly elements?! The Parisian chic, drama and now a pop princess dressed as a fairy?! This is the film that just keeps on giving.

5. It has the ULTIMATE mash up. Like for real, the Elephant Love Medley so expertly combines so many songs that it makes every mash up Glee ever did look like child's play. And that hard for me to say because I have a special (and very secret) place in my heart for their 'It's my life' mash up with Usher's Confessions. Another example of musical genius right there.

6. Jim Broadbent. If him running around singing Like a Virgin with a white sheet flapping around on his head doesn't make you laugh then I don't really know what your deal is.

7. The fact that a lot of it takes place in an elephant. That's just exotic and cool and a whole host of other adjectives.

8. Ewan McGregor. His face, his voice, his eyes. His innocent beauty and love for Christine makes me tear up every time. Why is he not more of a thing still? Those sky, broadband adverts whatever he did recently just have not fulfilled the Ewan shaped hole in my life.

9. Come What May-a beautiful duet and one of my all time 'ill just sing along to this at the top of my lungs even though I can't carry a tune and try and sing both parts at the same time because I think I'm so talented' tracks. You know the ones I mean my friends.

10. Finally, it is an ultimate star crossed lovers story offering up such pearls of wisdom like 'the greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return', the slightly more somber 'jealously will drive you mad' idea and the just plain silly myth that men will recite poetry they've written just for you when they're trying to woo you. Firstly, they just want the clothes off and secondly, this isn't bohemian Paris mes amis so any concept of wooing is exactly where the waiting theatrical eavesdroppers (another little reference!) are...right out the (elephant shaped) door.

So there you go...some slightly mad but most I legitimate reasons as to why I just love this film so much. It has everything I could want and I definitely think I'll be popping it in the DVD player once I'm back from this travelling malarkey!

What's your favourite film? Have you ever written a post about it? Is there someone out there who loves this film like I do?! Tell me please so we can be friends!

Sophia

PS- that last part sounded desperate I know. I need you to know I actually do have a lot of friends, like too many to make time to see (#popularproblems....more like #busyteacherproblems) but I don't have a fellow Moulin Rouge obsessive in my life so if you're one of them, make your extremely discerning self known to me!

So I'm slowly sifting through all our wonderful pictures from our Asian adventure this summer (take me back please!!) and I thought I'd share some instagrammable snapshots from our time in Ubud.

Some of you may know Ubud as the third part of Julia Roberts' Eat Pray Love trip and it certainly struck me as a lovely, tranquil place. What the movie missed out however, was that there were motorbikes everywhere! And traffic! Not zen guys.

Despite that (and my spectacular fall in a rice field, ripped trousers, muddy, soggy bottom, the works) I really enjoyed our time there. It's so calming there and every other place is a yoga studio or health/mindful centred place.

I mean look where we stayed! How relaxing is that? We actually ended up having to stay for an extra night because we couldn't get a boat to next destination but it wasn't all bad because it meant I could relax like this...

Our little room was the one on the left on the first floor and most of the time I had the pool to myself!

As you can see in the collage health food is key in Ubud because healthy body healthy mind and all that jazz and so it was a HAVEN for me. Washing down my vegan salads with a wheatgrass shot might not sound fun and games to you but to me it was bliss.

It was certainly a nice change from some of the more hectic cities we visited!

Have you ever been to Bali? Is it on your bucket list? Where would you like to go to in Asia?

So we have finally touched back down on British soil with two big cases of jet lag, two even bigger cases of laundry but a whole host of wonderful memories and so much to talk about! With previous jet lag state in mind plus my boyfriend hasn't uploaded photos yet I thought I'd post this fun tag I saw to tide things over until then!

I saw this on one of my favourite blogs Little Glitter and I just knew I had to do it! If you don't know Amber's blog go and check it out, her blog's brilliant and she's a fellow Disney fanatic like me!

Anyway, here are my answers, what a fun tag to do, if you do this let me know I love posts like this, I am the ultimate nosy person...

1. Three words about me: determined, positive, caring. 2. The first thing I do in the morning: stretch and wish I'd slept in more, constant early bird! 3. When I hear music on the radio: I sing along or think eh?! I'm so old and behind on music now! 4. I'm looking forward to:getting back to home comforts after this amazing trip abroad.5. My wardrobe is full of:simple basics, and a lot of skater skirts!

6. When I have to get dressed up:I LOVE it and always want to buy a new dress off ASOS. The only time I enjoy shopping.7. I am passionate about: education (kinda my job), equality and Disney! 8. A little secret about me:I'm a secret over thinker. People think I'm so chilled about stuff when most the time I've thought a lot about each scenario. 9: I feel best about myself when: I've had a good day at work or with loved ones. 10. In the coffee shop I order:green tea or a skinny capp with sugar free caramel (yep, I'm that girl, but for real sugar free caramel is the business!)

An example of me in the aforementioned 'simple basics' although I should mention that if it's summer everything I wear will be paired my ray bans! Because they were hella expensive and I'm getting my money's worth. Plus they make me me feel a million times more glamorous, always a plus.

11. In the bar I order: vodka diet coke, with lots of lime! . 12. In a group of friends I am: the one telling some crazy funny story about something or other. 13. Within the family, I am: the positive problem solver. 14. I can not live without: Disney, my family and friends. 15. Children are: the reason for living for me, I can't wait until I can have kids!

16. At night I: usually get up multiple times for a bathroom break, 80 year old woman much? 17. In my bag I have: my Kate Spade purse (my love), phone, hand sanitizer, lip balm, various receipts and other things I should throw away! 18. Training is: more likely to look like Zumba for me. 19. Policies are: not always correct but are vital in society.

Ultimate Disney fan, this is currently the background on my phone and to get this picture I photographed my sister's calendar. Dedication to the mouse house? I think so.

20. Love is: what makes everything else worthwhile. 1. In Autumn I'll pray for it to be warm a little longer. 22. By my bedside I have: a huge pile of books and my cute unicorn jewellery dish. 23. In the kitchen I: love cooking new recipes with my boyfriend and flicking through my many cookbooks (bought far too many this year!) 24. I'm worst at: being patient with slow walkers. 25. I'm best at: listening to people, giving advice and being a positive Polly!

26. I love: lots of things but mostly I just love the life I am carving out for myself in Cheshire. 27. What I want with my life: to continue to develop my career in many different ways and to have a large, loving family with lots of kids! 28. I admire: anyone who's doing their best. 29. The best thing I know: this too shall pass.

Perks of the job.

30. Unusual habit: I eat a lot of carrots. As in a lot. Daily. I also warm them up in the microwave before eating them, tell me that's not unusual ha! 31. I am a member of: the national teachers' union. 32. I believe in: karma. 33. You may not know that: I have a birthmark shaped like a paw print, it's so cool! 34. In the evening I: either go to the gym, call my family or cook tea and have Netflix sessions with my boyfriend! 35. As a friend, I am: a pretty good one.

36. When I have free time: I read blogs/books, catch up on TV and make exciting plans. 37. When I'm at work: I am constantly dashing around doing a million and one things/dealing with difficult situations. And pretty much loving every minute! 38. You're allowed to lie if: it's a little white lie, do it all be time, sorry! 39. In five years I am: hopefully married with a baby or with a baby coming in the near future. 40. In ten years I am: looking forward to seeing what life holds, I'm sure it'll be amazing!

Although...once you've stayed in THE Pinterest infinity pool, surely the only way in life is down?! Hoho... Get it? Because it's high up? it seemed funny to me at the time, but like I said: jet lag.

So there it is, a little bit more about me, like I said please let me know if to be don a similar tag, this level of self disclosure should definitely be a two way street!

Sorry for the blurred photo (photography pro I am not) but here I am jumping for joy at having reached 50 followers!

*whips out an old cheer routine beach skde*

Now this makes me as pleased as if that figure was 50,000 and here's why: I don't update much (my all consuming career holds me back sometimes), I don't post routinely or on a schedule and as previously mentioned and evidenced, I don't take photographs like the next Annie Leibowitz! These are all things 'successful' bloggers do so the fact hat you guys follow what I do in spite of all that makes me feel really humble.

On that note, I have been spurned on and inspired recently so I am going to make a valiant effort to post more. A) because I enjoy it and b) because some of guys must enjoy it too!

So thanks! It's been a slow and steady start this here blogging journey, but I'm determined to keep riding it and giving it more of my all!

I would also like to thank a couple of bloggers out there that I follow and who I know follow me, your blogs are a massive inspiration and I feel so excited that you guys read this little space here too!